Top Health Benefits and It’s Uses of Muskmelon or Cantaloupe

Health Benefits of Muskmelon or Cantaloupe

Who doesn’t like muskmelon? Everyone is acquainted with this humble and easily available summer fruit. It is one of the most delicious and cultivated summer fruit of India. They are the storehouse of many minerals and vitamins. It is believed that muskmelons have originated from Indian and Africa.

Nutritional Fact:

100 grams of muskmelon contains 34 calories. It consists of 16 mg sodium and 267 mg of potassium. Muskmelon is loaded with vitamin A (67%) and vitamin C (61%).

Following are some health benefits of muskmelons that will add more points to its glory.

Weight Loss

Like other melons, muskmelon also consists mainly of water; they are 90% water and only 1% fat. About 100-gram serving provides only 34 calories. Muskmelons are extremely nutritious and they boost your health in every possible way. One cup muskmelon delivers about a cup of water and 2 grams of fiber. Both of them work together and promote fullness, this helps in reducing appetite.

Keeps your Heart Healthy

Potassium and sodium are significant body minerals, they are vital for both cellular and electrical function. They carry tiny electrical potential and are important blood minerals called “electrolytes”. Researchers suggest that natural diet high in whole grains, fruits, and raw vegetables is rich in potassium and at the time low in sodium. This helps in maintaining the normal blood pressure levels. Potassium is one of the most soluble minerals; it helps in regulating the acid-base balance in tissues and blood. It also maintains water balance in the body and is crucial to nerves and cardiovascular functions. Muskmelons are especially useful in lowering high blood pressure.

Fight with Fatigue and Depression

Potassium present in muskmelon also helps in keeping fatigue and depression at bay. Potassium deficiency is often associated with muscle weakness and slow reflexes leading to various nervous disorders. It is suggested that one should ideally consume 2 – 2.5 grams of potassium per day. Muskmelons are the good source of beta-carotene, it is an antioxidant it inhibits the oxidation in the body and protects it from free radicals. Studies have proved that antioxidants boost the immune system and lower the risk of chronic illness and cancers. Some researchers have suggested that beta-carotene may also help in decreasing the speed of cognitive decline. Cognitive decline is mild impairment in cognitive abilities like thinking and memory skills.

Healthy Skin

Muskmelon is a good source of vitamin C. vitamin C is an important vitamin it is water soluble and needed for normal growth and well being. Since vitamin C is water soluble, excess leaves the body through urine and you need to keep the supply constant. Vitamin C is vital for repair of bones, teeth, and cartilages. It also helps in absorption of iron. It is an important antioxidant; it reverses the damage done by free radicals. It helps in maintaining the moisture of the skin, deficiency of vitamin C can cause dry and flaky skin and split ends and thin hair.

Strong Bones

Vitamin C plays an important role in maintaining the density of bone. It promotes assimilation of calcium in bones. As an antioxidant, vitamin C is essential in reducing oxidative stress in bone tissues.

Good for your Eyes

According to USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), muskmelons have more beta-carotene than mangoes, grapefruits, apricots, oranges, and peaches. Beta-carotene is a strongly colored orange-red pigment known as carotenoids; they are responsible for giving the rich colors to your fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is considered as the precursor of Vitamin A. we need vitamin A for our vision and good eye health.

Muskmelons also promote digestion; you can eat them or blend in smoothies. So do not miss out on them in this summer. They are fleshy, healthy and in season.